Emirates to ban in-flight use of power banks from October 1
ET Online August 08, 2025 05:20 PM
Synopsis

Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks on flights starting October 1, 2025, following a safety review due to increased lithium battery incidents. Passengers can carry one power bank under 100Wh, properly marked and stored, but usage during the flight is forbidden. This measure aims to mitigate onboard fire risks associated with overheating or damaged lithium batteries.

Related

  • Travelling to the UAE with cash, gold or other valuables? Here’s what to know about the declaration rule
  • This Asian airline just flew past Emirates to be named the world's best in 2025
Emirates has announced that passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks during flights, effective October 1, 2025. The airline will still permit customers to carry one power bank under specific conditions, but it cannot be used to charge personal devices or be charged from the aircraft’s power supply.

Under the new rules, passengers may carry only one power bank with a capacity below 100 Watt Hours. The device must have its capacity rating clearly marked, be stored in a seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front, and not in the overhead bin. Power banks will remain prohibited in checked baggage, in line with existing regulations.

Emirates said the changes follow a safety review prompted by a rise in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry. Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which can overheat or catch fire if damaged or overcharged. The airline noted that some basic power banks lack protective mechanisms to prevent overcharging, increasing the risk of thermal runaway, a process where excessive heat triggers a chain reaction, potentially leading to fire or explosion.

By banning the use of power banks in the cabin, Emirates aims to reduce onboard risks and ensure that cabin crew can access and handle the device quickly if an incident occurs. The airline stressed that safety remains a core operational priority, with measures designed to protect both passengers and crew.

(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)

© Copyright @2025 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.